Well, the author of the Shetland crime novels is Ann Cleeves. She has a remarkable ability to create a vivid sense of place. The Shetland Isles in her novels are not just a backdrop but almost a character in themselves. Her characters are complex and the mysteries are engaging, which has led to the global popularity of her books. And as I mentioned before, they've been made into a great TV series too, which has introduced her work to an even wider audience.
William McIlvanney is the one who penned the Laidlaw crime novels. He was a very talented writer known for his vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling in these crime - centered works.
I haven't been able to find out specifically who writes the DCI Morton crime novels. There are so many crime novelists out there, and it might take some more research to determine the exact author.
Often, female - authored crime novels tend to focus more on the psychological aspects of the characters. For example, in many of these novels, the motives behind the crimes are deeply explored through the characters' emotions and past traumas.
A successful crime novel author often creates complex and engaging characters. For instance, a detective with a troubled past or a villain with motives that are not immediately obvious. This makes the readers want to know more about them.
I haven't personally read any books by Geneva Al, so I can't provide a detailed account of her works. But generally, crime novel authors often have a knack for creating complex characters, both the detectives and the criminals. Geneva Al might be no different. She could be building intricate plotlines that keep readers on the edge of their seats, full of twists and turns. Maybe her settings are in gritty urban environments or small, idyllic towns with dark secrets. Without more details, it's all speculation though.